Internet @ Schools

Discovery Education has announced it will host an exclusive virtual field trip for students around the world commemorating the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death. On April 22 at 9:30 AM EST, this unique learning experience will transport students to England to celebrate the life and legacy of the world’s greatest playwright, enriching Social Studies and English Language Arts lessons with compelling and valuable insight into his life and work.

Hosted by British television presenter Diane-Louise Jordan, the virtual field trip will guide students on a journey through Shakespeare’s hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon, giving them the chance to take an exclusive tour around his birthplace. Appropriate for students grades K-12, the program will visit Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall, where the young author was inspired to create some of the greatest works of English literature. During this visit, participating classrooms will witness a re-enacted Tudor lesson, and be among the first to ‘step inside’ the newly renovated 600-year-old school building, which has been described by historian Michael Wood as “one of the most atmospheric, magical and important in the whole of Britain.”

After visiting Stratford-upon-Avon, students will travel to London, where they will learn about Shakespeare’s life in the Tudor capital through a tour of some of the city’s hidden Shakespeare locations, ending at the famous Globe Theatre where his plays were staged. Participating classrooms will see The Bard’s work brought to life as they watch local students perform scenes from Macbeth, and hear how the themes of Shakespeare’s work are still relevant today.

The virtual event will also feature an interview with actor Ian McKellen, one of the world’s leading Shakespearean actors. McKellen will discuss his passion for pupils experiencing the power of Shakespeare and seeing his plays performed on stage as they were intended to be. Classrooms across the country are invited to register at no cost by visiting discoveryeducation.co.uk/shakespeare.

For more information about Discovery Education’s many virtual field trips and other services and initiatives, visit discoveryeducation.com.